Fig - Research

Summary:
In addition to providing quality care to stroke survivors, Florida Neurovascular Institute provides alternative study treatments. Currently we have three categories of studies available:

• Acute Stroke Therapy
• Prevention of Secondary Stroke
• Genetic Contribution to Stroke

Fig - Research

The goal is to demonstrate the efficacy of a study drug on disability and neurological recovery of a patient who experienced an acute ischemic stroke. Our target population is those over the age of 18 who experience an acute ischemic stroke with limb weakness alone or in combination with other deficits.

It has been suggested that astrocytes play an important role in brain function. The project looks at a study agent that acts as a neuroprotectant. Patients of this study must be randomized within 6 hours of onset of stroke symptoms. The inclusion criteria include the following: Measurable focal neurological deficit for a minimum of 60 minutes and a NIHSS score of 11-22.

Our study trial is geared toward the prevention of further complications such as venous thromboembolism due to ischemic stroke. Eligible patients must be randomized within 48 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Inclusion criteria are as follows: significant motor impairment of the leg and inability to walk.

Other study evaluates patients with initial Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack and a Patent Foramen Ovale. This study is a comparison of the incidence of recurrent Stroke or TIA in patients undergoing PFO closure versus treatment with Coumadin and/or Aspirin. Patients who qualify for randomization must be 18-60 years of age with a diagnosis of clinical stroke or TIA and PFO with no other source of embolus.

Another study trial accesses the possibility of combining certain approved antiplatelet drugs in the prevention of a second stroke. Patients must be randomized within 90 days of experiencing an ischemic stroke and must be 55 years or older. Those qualifying for randomization must be neurologically and clinically stable.

One of our studies concerns secondary prevention of small subcortical strokes. This study predicts that combined antiplatelet therapy and aggressive blood pressure management will reduce one's chances of recurrent stroke. Patients who qualify must be randomized within 3 months of experiencing a stroke and be over the age of 40.

We are currently participating in a study of sibling pairs with stroke to systematically screen for regions of the human genome that contain genes which increase the risk of having an ischemic stroke. Possible candidates should be between 18 and 80 years old. Randomization of a patient diagnosed as having had an ischemic stroke should occur within 180 days of the stroke and have one living, full sibling with a stroke.